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Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua yesterday said the government is probing alleged attempts to sell the Port of Mombasa to private individuals.

Speaking when he officially opened the Mombasa International show at Mkomani showground in Mombasa, Gachagua said the previous government had initiated plans to sell the port.

“This port was on the verge of being sold,” the DP said.

He said President William Ruto had directed the new Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to initiate an audit of the Port facility.

“KPA is a national resource for this country. I want to assure you that the government will protect this port. This port belongs to Kenyans and Coastal residents must be given a chance to benefit from the port,” he said.

Police pay

The DP and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir called on the National Government Administrative Officers in Mombasa to forge a smooth working relation with the Mombasa County administration.

“We have told our officers to respect the Governor and work with him because he was elected by the wananchi. We have informed our officers that there is no competition between the National government and the County Government…we have all been elected to serve the People of Kenya ,” he said.

He said a committee will be established to look into terms and conditions of services of police officers, with the view of improving their remuneration and other terms.

On the drought, he said over 4.35 million Kenyans were in need of food and water while the country had already lost over 2.5 million livestock.

“The numbers grow every minute. These are not numbers. They are lives and livelihoods. It is absurd we are discussing food insecurity in the 21st century. But as the government, we will see a different Kenya in the next few days. It is our commitment,” he said.